The global district energy community meets in Minneapolis
From June 2 to 5, the international district energy community will gather in Minneapolis for IDEA2025, the annual event organised by the International District Energy Association. Each year, IDEA connects utilities, cities, universities, technology providers, and research institutions working at the forefront of low-carbon thermal energy systems. With more than 1,000 industry leaders expected to attend, the conference is a unique opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of district heating and cooling.
This year’s theme — “Aggregate, Integrate, Innovate” — speaks directly to the momentum building in the sector: new policies, new technologies, and new strategies are converging to accelerate the transition to sustainable, resilient cities. As organisations worldwide seek to decarbonise their energy infrastructure, district energy systems are emerging as critical enablers.
Three years of Optit at IDEA
This will be our third consecutive year at IDEA, and each time we return, we’re reminded how dynamic and collaborative this community is. As specialists in District Energy Optimization, we see IDEA not just as a place to showcase technology, but as a platform to exchange knowledge and co-design the future of energy systems.
Over the years, we’ve seen the sector evolve from traditional thermal grids into fully integrated, data-driven systems that require smart tools, predictive algorithms, and real-time intelligence. That’s exactly where we bring value: at the intersection of mathematics (algorithms, data science, artificial intelligence), software and consulting, helping utilities and cities make better decisions, faster.
Our 2025 contribution: New York City’s digital twin
At this year’s conference, we’re proud to contribute a technical session that reflects our continued partnership with Con Edison, one of the largest energy utilities in the United States. On June 4, our Project Manager Luca Ferrari will speak alongside Josephine Aromando (Con Edison) to present:
New York City’s Steam System Digital Twin: Operational Optimization and Strategic Design
The project demonstrates how digital twin technology, combined with data-driven modelling, enables better operational control and strategic planning of one of the world’s most iconic steam networks. From enhancing short-term dispatch to informing long-term investment strategies, this collaboration shows how digitalisation can deliver measurable value in complex urban energy contexts.
Why IDEA matters, for us and for the sector
Participating in IDEA isn’t just about visibility. It’s about being part of a community that is actively shaping the energy transition. Each year, we come away with new insights from other cities, projects, and innovators — whether it’s hearing about groundbreaking retrofits in Scandinavia, innovative heat-sharing models in North America, or the policy frameworks being tested in Asia.
In this moment of rapid change, collaboration and shared learning are essential. And IDEA offers the ideal environment to do just that: to exchange, challenge, and improve how we approach urban energy.
